Santiago-Hudson, the trade mag purports, will write the pilot script and executive produce with his manager Vincent Cirrincione. No word on whether the movie's executive producer Halle Berry or star S. Epatha Merkerson will be involved.

Lackawanna Blues played Off-Broadway at The Public Theatre in 2001 written by and starring Tony Award winner Santiago-Hudson (Seven Guitars). Set in 1956 in Lackawanna, New York, the play centers on Miss Rachel's boarding house, a gathering spot for pseudo-philosophers, petty hustlers, lost souls and abandoned lovers.

Originally a one-man piece, the actor-playwright (seen in Broadway's Gem of the Ocean) portrayed over 20 characters with original music composed and performed by guitarist Bill Sims. He also toured with the work.

Former Public Theater director George C. Wolfe (Caroline, or Change) directed the 94-minute HBO screen version based on the Obie Award-winning play.

The ensemble cast featured Carmen Ejogo, Marcus Carl Franklin, Louis Gossett Jr., Macy Gray, Hill Harper, Terrence Howard, Delroy Lindo, S. Epatha Merkerson, Rosie Perez, Liev Schreiber, Henry Simmons, Jimmy Smits, Jeffrey Wright and Santiago Hudson himself. For more information on HBO Films, visit www.hbo.com/films